Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul: The Multifaceted Star Shaping K-pop and C-pop
Who is Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul?
Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, better known by his stage name Ten, is a Thai artist who has made a big splash in the world of K-pop and C-pop. Born on February 27, 1996, in Bangkok, Thailand, Ten has become a household name for fans of Asian pop music. He’s not just a singer, but also a skilled dancer, rapper, and songwriter.
Ten’s journey to stardom is a story of talent, hard work, and determination. Let’s dive into the life and career of this amazing performer who has captured hearts across Asia and beyond.
Early Life and Discovery
Ten grew up in Bangkok, where his love for music and dance began at a young age. As a kid, he was always dancing and singing around the house. His parents noticed his passion and supported his dreams.
In 2013, when Ten was just 17, he caught a big break. SM Entertainment, one of South Korea’s biggest entertainment companies, held auditions in Thailand. Ten tried out and impressed the judges with his dance skills and charming personality. This audition changed his life forever.
Training Years: Building the Foundation
After passing the audition, Ten moved to South Korea to begin training with SM Entertainment. This period was tough but crucial for his development as an artist. He spent long hours every day:
– Practicing dance routines
– Taking singing lessons
– Learning Korean language and culture
– Building friendships with other trainees
These years shaped Ten into the well-rounded performer we know today. He often talks about how challenging but rewarding this time was, helping him grow not just as an artist but as a person too.
Debut with NCT: A New Chapter Begins
In 2016, Ten’s hard work paid off. He debuted as part of NCT (Neo Culture Technology), a unique K-pop group with multiple sub-units. Ten first appeared in NCT U, showcasing his talents in the song “The 7th Sense.”
This debut marked the beginning of Ten’s professional career, but it was just the start of his journey. Fans quickly noticed his exceptional dance skills and charismatic stage presence.
WayV: Expanding into the Chinese Market
As Ten’s popularity grew, SM Entertainment saw an opportunity to reach the Chinese market. In 2019, Ten became a member of WayV, a sub-unit of NCT focused on promoting in China.
With WayV, Ten has been able to:
– Showcase his language skills (he speaks Thai, English, Korean, and Mandarin)
– Explore different musical styles
– Connect with a wider audience across Asia
This move has helped Ten become a true international star, bridging cultures through his music and performances.
Solo Career: Showcasing Individual Talent
While Ten shines as part of NCT and WayV, he’s also made a name for himself as a solo artist. His solo releases have allowed him to express his personal style and artistry. Some notable solo works include:
– “Dream in a Dream” (2017)
– “New Heroes” (2018)
– “Paint Me Naked” (2021)
These songs show off Ten’s versatility as an artist. He’s not just a great performer, but also a thoughtful songwriter who puts his feelings into his music.
Dancing: Ten’s Greatest Strength
If there’s one thing that sets Ten apart, it’s his incredible dancing skills. Many consider him one of the best dancers in K-pop. Here’s why:
– Versatility: Ten can nail any style, from hip-hop to contemporary.
– Precision: His movements are always clean and exact.
– Emotion: Ten doesn’t just dance with his body, but with his heart.
– Creativity: He often choreographs routines for himself and his group members.
Ten’s dancing has earned him respect from fans and fellow artists alike. He’s even appeared on dance competition shows, wowing judges with his skills.
Multilingual Talent: Breaking Language Barriers
One of Ten’s unique strengths is his ability to speak multiple languages. This skill has helped him connect with fans around the world. Ten is fluent in:
– Thai (his native language)
– English
– Korean
– Mandarin Chinese
This language ability allows Ten to communicate directly with fans from different countries, making him a true global star.
Fashion and Style: A trendsetter
Beyond music and dance, Ten is known for his fashion sense. He’s become a style icon for many fans. Ten’s fashion choices are:
– Bold: He’s not afraid to try new and daring styles.
– Trendsetting: Fans often try to copy his looks.
– Versatile: Ten can pull off casual streetwear and high fashion equally well.
His sense of style has caught the eye of fashion brands, leading to collaborations and magazine features.
Personality and Fan Interaction
What makes Ten truly special is his personality. Fans love him not just for his talents, but for who he is as a person. Ten is known for being:
– Funny: He often makes jokes and lightens the mood.
– Kind: Many stories circulate about his kindness to fans and staff.
– Hardworking: Ten is always striving to improve and grow as an artist.
– Open: He shares his thoughts and feelings with fans, creating a close bond.
Ten interacts with fans through social media and fan meetings, always showing appreciation for their support.
Influence and Impact
Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, as Ten, has made a significant impact on the K-pop and C-pop industries. His influence can be seen in several ways:
– Representation: As a Thai artist in Korean and Chinese entertainment, Ten represents Southeast Asian talent on a global stage.
– Dance inspiration: Many aspiring dancers look up to Ten and study his techniques.
– Cultural bridge: Ten helps connect Thai, Korean, and Chinese cultures through his work.
– Artistic expression: His solo work encourages other idols to explore their individual artistry.
Future Prospects
As Ten continues to grow as an artist, fans eagerly anticipate what he’ll do next. Some possibilities for his future include:
– More solo music releases
– Acting in dramas or movies
– Starting his own fashion line
– Becoming a dance teacher or mentor
Whatever path he chooses, it’s clear that Ten’s talent and hard work will continue to open doors for him in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul, known to the world as Ten, is more than just a K-pop idol. He’s a multitalented artist who has worked hard to achieve his dreams. From his early days in Bangkok to becoming a global star, Ten’s journey is an inspiration to many.
His skills in dance, singing, and languages, combined with his charming personality, have made him a beloved figure in the world of Asian pop music. As Ten continues to grow and evolve as an artist, one thing is certain: he will keep surprising and delighting fans with his talent and creativity.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his work, Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul is an artist worth watching. His story reminds us that with passion, hard work, and a little bit of luck, dreams really can come true.
FAQs about Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul
How old is Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul?
Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul was born on February 27, 1996, making him 28 years old in 2024.
What groups is Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul a part of?
He is a member of NCT, specifically its sub-units NCT U and WayV.
What languages does Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul speak?
Ten is fluent in Thai, English, Korean, and Mandarin Chinese.
What is Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul’s stage name?
His stage name is Ten.
Where is Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul from?
He is from Bangkok, Thailand.
What is Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul known for besides singing?
Ten is especially known for his exceptional dancing skills and fashion sense.
Has Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul released solo music?
Yes, he has released several solo songs including “Dream in a Dream” and “Paint Me Naked.”
How did Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul get discovered?
He was discovered through an SM Entertainment global audition held in Thailand in 2013.
What type of dance is Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul best at?
Ten is versatile and excels in various dance styles, but he’s particularly praised for his contemporary and hip-hop dancing.
Does Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul write his own songs?
Yes, Ten has participated in songwriting for both his solo work and group projects.
